Must Do

About Sofala

Just 46 km from Bathurst, Sofala is reportedly Australia's oldest surviving gold-rush town. Set in an idyllic Country NSW location beside the pretty Turon River, Sofala's setting includes a rugged mountain backdrop that has attracted artists over the years. In 1947, Russell Drysdale captured the main street's timber buildings and hot, dusty emptiness in his famous work, Sofala.

Take a historical walking tour through town and explore the Upper Turon for reminders of the gold rush, including diggings, gravestones, buildings and a Chinese miner settlement. You can even sleep overnight in Old Sofala Gaol. The Turon Technology Museum is worth a visit to see industrial revolution machines. For handmade sweets, meat pies and a dose of history, visit the Old Sofala Post Office, which has been standing since 1879.

Sofala has a range of accommodation options or, if you're more outdoorsy, there's a selection of 4WD and camping tours. For more gold-rush history, check out some other towns in the Bathurst area.